Grenadines

The Grenadines chain comprises over 30 islands stretching south toward Grenada, with the northernmost (Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Union Island) belonging to Saint Vincent while southern islands fall under Grenada. This administrative division creates an archipelago economy where luxury tourism on Mustique (billionaire clientele, Mick Jagger's retreat) coexists with fishing villages on smaller cays. The Grenadines generate disproportionate economic impact: tourism contributes 28.6% of national GDP, with the islands hosting the upmarket segment that commands premium prices. Mustique's private island model—owned by a company with exclusive membership—pioneered Caribbean luxury tourism, while Canouan developed golf resorts targeting wealthy Europeans. Hurricane Beryl (July 2024) damaged yacht infrastructure and resorts across the chain. Bequia maintains traditional boat-building, having supplied whalers into the 1990s. Union Island serves as the gateway to the Tobago Cays marine park, a major sailing destination. With FDI of $74 million (2023) concentrated in tourism infrastructure, the Grenadines attract investment that bypasses the mainland. By 2026, the islands' growth depends on new resort openings and expanding yacht charter services while managing hurricane risk and freshwater scarcity.